Alpine Ridge Trail

Alpine Ridge Trail is a 0.6 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Estes Park, Colorado that features beautiful wild flowers and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and birding and is best used from June until October.

This short ‘hike’ is a must-do while stopping at the Alpine Visitor Center (the highest altitude for a NPS visitor center). It begins as a paved incline and continues as a series of steps, rising about 130 feet in elevation to the 12,005 foot summit. The views are wonderful, similar to those nearby at Marmot Point (which is easily within sight). However, with the frequent crowds and the walkway to reach the top, it doesn’t have the same ‘Sound of Music’ feeling as the next door neighbor located near the end of Old Fall River Road.

If you drive up to the Alpine lodge, which is very worthwhile, then you'll feel obligated to take this short walk up the stairs to the 12,000 ft mark. It's not a hike, but a walk up the stairs and with the elevation it is challenging. The views are simply spectacular.

Great views in all directions from the top. It may be crowded, but this will not be a problem for enjoyment. Expect it to be cool/cold and windy as you are at 12,000'. Also, as the distance is very short, getting to the top is comparable to climbing 18-20 stories of stairs at altitude.